SYNOPSIS OF INTERVIEW: Ivana Oli, co-founder of Beautiful Curly Me, a
company that makes dolls, books, and other products aimed at boosting the
confidence and self-esteem of young black girls. It details how the company
was started by Oli’s daughter Zoe when she was 6 years old because she
wanted dolls that looked like her, and how the business has grown from that
original idea. Oli shares insights into challenges they faced as a startup, the
importance of community, and their goals to impact millions of girls globally.
SYNOPSIS OF INTERVIEW: Lewis Deas of Try Deas and Other Treats
discusses his journey in the nut business. He shares how his family history
and the inspiration from his aunts influenced his nut flavors, including the
popular red velvet cashews. Despite facing unique challenges as a black
male entrepreneur, including concerns about branding and sensitivity in
the MeToo era, Lewis persevered and found that his brand brought joy to
many. He highlights the importance of mentors and the support of
organizations like the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in his
entrepreneurial journey.
SYNOPSIS OF INTERVIEW: African American entrepreneur Brian Davis started his own service-disabled, veteran-owned company in November 2020. He has received contracts from local companies like BlackRock, and his goal is to grow his business and give minorities an opportunity to do creative and innovative work. He credits mentorship and networking with his success, and he advises other entrepreneurs to follow through on their commitments.